Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Psalm 103:2-8 Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits:
Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
The LORD executes righteousness and justice
for all who are oppressed.
He made known His ways to Moses,
His acts to the children of Israel.
The LORD is merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.
THE GOD OF ISRAEL MAKES KNOWN HIS NATURE
The powerful God who has made Himself known through the creation of the universe and all that is in it has also made Himself known as the God of Israel during Old Testament times. It is chiefly by His workings through and for the nation of Old Testament Israel that God made known His identity during this time. As Psalm 103 says, "He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel."
As God made Himself and His identity known to the people of Old Testament Israel, He made known His power and might by His works. But it was by His Word that He made known His justice and righteousness -- and His anger against sin and ungodliness. However, above all, by His Word God has always made Himself known as a God of love, compassion and mercy. To Old Testament Israel and to all, by His Word, God has made Himself known as One who forgives sins and gives good things to His people. As Psalm 103 also says, "The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy."
